ESC2192

Environmental earth sciences ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Drs Ian Cartwright and Mark Leblanc

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit provides an introduction to Environmental Geosciences using a combination of lecture, practical, and field studies. It addresses processes in groundwater and surface water hydrology, including groundwater flow, groundwater and surface water chemistry, and basic contamination and remediation of groundwater and surface water. It also introduces the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques in understanding natural hydrological processes and anthropogenic impacts.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, the student will have gained an understanding of some of the important environmental issues related to Earth Sciences. They will be able to understand the basic concepts of physical hydrogeology; understand the transport of natural solutes and contaminants in groundwater; understand geological hazards; understand processes of mass wasting, regolith formation; understand how anthropogenic factors impact on natural geological processes; be able to assess how physical and chemical processes may be used in mitigation and remediation; be able to research environmental topics and discuss these in oral and written form; be able to integrate data from a wide variety of sources and be able to recognise environmental impacts in the field.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 50% + Assessed practicals: 20% + Field report: 15% + Assignment/Oral presentation: 15%

Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and three hours of practical/tutorial classes per week, and three field days at Buchan, Victoria

Prerequisites: ESC1011 or ENV1011 or permission of Head of School

Prohibitions: ESC2041, ESC2042